Jury Convicts Orleans Parish Man of Brandishing a Firearm During a Carjacking

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On September 1, 2026, DEVON FRITH, ("FRITH"), age 27, of New Orleans, was found guilty of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, following a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2026.

This is the second federal conviction for carjacking the United States government has obtained from FRITH.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on June 4, 2022, on the Westbank of New Orleans, FRITH brandished a firearm and stole a motor scooter. Approximately ten months later, FRITH brandished a weapon and stole a motor vehicle from another victim. FRITH later pleaded guilty to the second carjacking.

FRITH was convicted in Count 1 for carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2119(1). At sentencing for Count 1, FRITH faces up to 15 years in jail. Count 2 was using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). At sentencing for Count 2, FRITH faces a mandatory minimum 7 years, up to life in prison, which must be run consecutive to Count 1.

United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Trummel and David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

***